Disclosed are various embodiments of systems, devices, components and methods for re-positioning or displacing a patient's esophagus a safe distance away from the patient's heart during an atrial ablation surgical procedure. An esophageal displacement catheter is disclosed that is configured to reposition a patient's esophagus 20 mm or more away from the ablation location in the patient's heart. The catheter is easy to use, and according to some embodiments may be configured to transmit torque on substantially a 1:1 basis between its proximal and distal ends if a distendable section of the catheter needs to be re-positioned in the patient's esophagus.